ARM vs. UMC: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at ARM and UMC, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
Both ARM and UMC are American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). This provides U.S. investors with straightforward access to investing in these foreign-listed companies.
| Symbol | ARM | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Arm Holdings plc | United Microelectronics Corporation |
| Country | United Kingdom | Taiwan |
| GICS Sector | Information Technology | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
| Market Capitalization | 138.93 billion USD | 17.33 billion USD |
| Exchange | NasdaqGS | NYSE |
| Listing Date | September 14, 2023 | September 19, 2000 |
| Security Type | ADR | ADR |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of ARM and UMC by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -5.36% | 2.70% |
| 13-Week Price Return | -1.43% | -15.44% |
| 26-Week Price Return | -13.77% | 1.21% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 2.85% | 8.46% |
| Month-to-Date Return | -5.21% | 0.84% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 8.63% | -2.67% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 4.00M | 42.13M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 5.00M | 44.80M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 46.58% | 22.76% |
| Beta | 2.73 | 0.32 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
ARM
10.64%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.74%
- Q3
- 23.49%
- Median
- 11.60%
- Q1
- 3.23%
- Min
- -20.69%
ARM’s Return on Equity of 10.64% is on par with the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
UMC
10.76%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.74%
- Q3
- 23.49%
- Median
- 11.60%
- Q1
- 3.23%
- Min
- -20.69%
UMC’s Return on Equity of 10.76% is on par with the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
ARM
16.96%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 44.17%
- Q3
- 22.38%
- Median
- 11.95%
- Q1
- 3.21%
- Min
- -25.16%
ARM’s Net Profit Margin of 16.96% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
UMC
16.69%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 44.17%
- Q3
- 22.38%
- Median
- 11.95%
- Q1
- 3.21%
- Min
- -25.16%
UMC’s Net Profit Margin of 16.69% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
ARM
18.51%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.03%
- Q3
- 27.84%
- Median
- 12.45%
- Q1
- 5.15%
- Min
- -28.61%
ARM’s Operating Profit Margin of 18.51% is around the midpoint for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
UMC
19.65%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.03%
- Q3
- 27.84%
- Median
- 12.45%
- Q1
- 5.15%
- Min
- -28.61%
UMC’s Operating Profit Margin of 19.65% is around the midpoint for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 10.64% | 10.76% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 8.01% | 7.00% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 16.96% | 16.69% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 18.51% | 19.65% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 97.14% | 29.94% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
ARM
4.99
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 8.42
- Q3
- 4.70
- Median
- 2.75
- Q1
- 2.07
- Min
- 1.04
ARM’s Current Ratio of 4.99 is in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This signifies a strong liquidity position, suggesting the company is well-equipped to cover its immediate liabilities compared to its peers.
UMC
1.77
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 8.42
- Q3
- 4.70
- Median
- 2.75
- Q1
- 2.07
- Min
- 1.04
UMC’s Current Ratio of 1.77 falls into the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
ARM
0.00
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.45
- Median
- 0.22
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
Falling into the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, ARM’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.00 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
UMC
0.20
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.45
- Median
- 0.22
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
UMC’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.20 is typical for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
ARM
6.95
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 81.10
- Median
- 27.22
- Q1
- 7.28
- Min
- -4.26
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, ARM’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 6.95 indicates a tighter cushion for servicing debt, suggesting less financial flexibility than many of its competitors.
UMC
313.16
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 81.10
- Median
- 27.22
- Q1
- 7.28
- Min
- -4.26
With an Interest Coverage Ratio of 313.16, UMC demonstrates a superior capacity to service its debt, placing it well above the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This stems from either robust earnings or a conservative debt load.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 4.99 | 1.77 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 4.77 | 1.44 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.00 | 0.20 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 6.95 | 313.16 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
ARM
0.00%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 4.16%
- Q3
- 1.78%
- Median
- 0.74%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
ARM currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
UMC
7.29%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 4.16%
- Q3
- 1.78%
- Median
- 0.74%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
UMC’s Dividend Yield of 7.29% is exceptionally high, placing it well above the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. While this may seem attractive, an unusually high yield can sometimes be a warning sign, reflecting a falling stock price or market concerns about the dividend’s sustainability.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
ARM
0.00%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 196.12%
- Q3
- 87.72%
- Median
- 26.57%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
ARM has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
UMC
163.64%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 196.12%
- Q3
- 87.72%
- Median
- 26.57%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
UMC’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 163.64% is in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates a strong commitment to shareholder returns but also suggests that a smaller portion of earnings is retained for reinvestment compared to many peers.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0.00% | 7.29% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 0.00% | 163.64% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
ARM
203.03
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 109.37
- Q3
- 57.11
- Median
- 28.95
- Q1
- 22.13
- Min
- 11.14
At 203.03, ARM’s P/E Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical maximum for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This suggests the stock may be significantly overvalued compared to its peers and implies high market expectations that could be difficult to meet.
UMC
13.00
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 109.37
- Q3
- 57.11
- Median
- 28.95
- Q1
- 22.13
- Min
- 11.14
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, UMC’s P/E Ratio of 13.00 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
ARM
34.44
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 16.09
- Q3
- 10.10
- Median
- 4.82
- Q1
- 2.60
- Min
- 0.93
With a P/S Ratio of 34.44, ARM trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This implies the market has priced in exceptionally optimistic scenarios for future revenue growth, posing considerable valuation risk.
UMC
2.17
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 16.09
- Q3
- 10.10
- Median
- 4.82
- Q1
- 2.60
- Min
- 0.93
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, UMC’s P/S Ratio of 2.17 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
ARM
24.45
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 13.56
- Q3
- 6.75
- Median
- 3.68
- Q1
- 1.89
- Min
- 0.60
At 24.45, ARM’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.
UMC
1.65
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 13.56
- Q3
- 6.75
- Median
- 3.68
- Q1
- 1.89
- Min
- 0.60
UMC’s P/B Ratio of 1.65 is in the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 203.03 | 13.00 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 34.44 | 2.17 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 24.45 | 1.65 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 199.60 | 14.05 |